Sandy Milkes joined the Pomperaug Woods community a decade ago. “After we retired, my husband, Jack, and I were snowbirds for 30 years,” said Sandy. “We lived in Heritage Village here in Connecticut plus we had a place in Florida. In 2014, we decided traveling back and forth had become too much. Jack and I wanted a community that would be able to care for us as our health needs changed. So, we sold both properties and made the move to Pomperaug Woods. I was 81 years old when we became residents, and I didn’t have any expectations that I’d be making deep friendships with the new people I’d meet here. It felt unrealistic to hope for that. I couldn’t have been more wrong! Jack and I were very social here. We would get together with other couples for cocktails before dinner. But it was two years later, when my husband passed away, that I realized how important my new friends had become to me. Here were people who had gone through the exact thing I was going through, and it was so meaningful to be able to talk to them about it. They understood me. They cared about me. Jack and I were married for 63 years, and here was a big life experience I needed to navigate alone. I have three children, four grandchildren, and three great grandchildren, but beyond family it was very comforting to surround myself with people who have had similar experiences that I could relate to. The deep friendships I have found at Pomperaug Woods are some of the most meaningful of my life. I’m so glad that I live here.”

Sandy takes advantage of the many social opportunities that Pomperaug Woods affords her. “I’ve lived here for 10 years, so I’ve done a little bit of everything,” said Sandy. “I was on the Flower Committee and the Food Committee. I’ve gone on dozens of day trips and done plenty of fitness classes. These days, I find I really enjoy the new walking paths on campus. I go to the Current Events class every week, and Happy Hour on Fridays. I absolutely love the Creative Arts class. I hadn’t painted since high school, but my love of painting is flourishing here under Lisa Huebenthal’s tutelage.

Lisa is the Director of Community Life here at Pomperaug Woods, and also teaches the Creative Arts class. I live in a 2-bed/2-bath apartment, and I have painted flowers and birds on all the walls and doors, lamps and lampshades. The entire apartment has become my canvas. It’s very freeing to paint what pleases me, wherever it pleases me.”

Several times a year, Pomperaug Woods hosts a Resident Panel and invites guests to meet with the panel to learn more about the community. Sandy is frequently a member of that panel. “Having lived here for 10 years, I have experiences I’m happy to share,” said Sandy. “Let’s face it, every change in life is challenging. Pomperaug Woods offers you the support to help you meet those challenges. The community is small, and I think that’s a positive. The size makes it feel very welcoming and personal. Living at Pomperaug Woods has enriched my life in so many ways, and the deep friendships I’ve made here have made such a difference.”